Vivid trip on long artwork

ARTIST RECORD: Renowned contemporary artist Michael Smither is putting his own touch on a world record attempt for the longest artwork in Thames.

A leading artist is directing a world record attempt to paint the world's longest artwork in Thames.

Whitianga-based Michael Smither is adding his own creative talent to a 3.5 kilometre concrete walkway which is being turned into a sea of colour and images by local artists.

Smither said the idea was for the artwork to be viewed from above, and enjoyed as a journey, on foot, bike, scooter, wheel chair or mobility scooter.

"The thing about an unusual artwork such as this - it captures the imagination, people start talking about it and enjoying it," he said.

Paint for the project has been donated by Resene while local art enthusiasts have registered their interest in taking ownership of the artwork along various portions of the walkway that winds around the edge of town.

Each artist must register their artwork idea for Smither's approval. "It has to work as something that is viewed from above - a bird's eye view if you like."

This week Smither, assisted by other artists, created a colourful artwork at the start of the walkway at Kuranui Bay.

"The design is about the harmonic structures in colours and how they relate to music," he said.

Already children had hopped and skipped along the walkway and some had added their own twist with chalk.